- Date Of Birth: May 26, 1963
- Date Of Death: January 6, 2018
- State: Virginia
On Saturday, January 6, 2018, God gently and peacefully called Derick Raynard Almond, home to rest. His love for the Lord was never ending and he gave him all the glory and thanks for his grace and mercy throughout his life. Derick was born on May 26, 1963, in Commerce, Georgia. The first child born to Ms. Vivian Almond Anderson and Mr. Thomas Hardy. He attend Commerce City public schools and graduated in June 1981. He joined the United States Army shortly after and attended basic training in Fort Lee, Virginia. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma when he was called to serve our country during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia. Derick received a medal of honor for his service in both Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Derick found Angela Stribling, the love of his life in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where they both served in the military. They were joined in holy matrimony on October 1, 1990 before his deployment. Their love was forever deepened by the birth of their daughter Desiree Ranae on June 4, 1992. Derick was a devoted and loving father and husband. Just the mention of Angie or Desi brought a smile to his face and made stars dance in his eyes. They were the real joy of his life. Derick was a dedicated and hard worker and upon his exit from the military, he loved knowing that he could use his years of training and multiple skills in different areas of employment. Before his illness, he was employed with Datrose, Inc. (formerly Lockheed Martin) in Manassas, Virginia. Derick would have FUN doing the most routine things. Whether he was rooting for the University of Georgia “Bulldogs”, football team or just sitting and chatting with people he just met. He spent time as a coach for Desi’s high school basketball team, the Battlefield Bobcats. Basketball was a passion of his and he believed in sharing his skills and also being there for the team. Derick understood the importance of guiding and mentoring children so that they could learn to enjoy life and become independent and successful adults. He also found true joy in being with family and friends, while dancing, grilling, laughing, playing cards, singing and of course, trying his luck at the casinos! Everyone he met was a friend and important to him. Knowing Derick was like having your own personal greeting section. He always made sure everyone in his presence was doing alright. That “Derick Almond smile” made you realize that “yes, I’m doing just fine”!
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